Celebrate Global Smurfs Day (SPONSORED)

The world is about to get a whole lot smurfier. Ambassadors from 28 countries are painting the town blue today (June 22) as they kick off the second-annual Global Smurfs Day by spreading that irrepressible smurfy cheer through the streets of Paris.

The celebration honors Smurfs creator Pierre "Peyo" Culliford's June 25 birthday and the opening of "The Smurfs 2" on July 31. Culliford's daughter, Veronique, presided over a ceremony in her father's hometown of Belgium at the site of a giant Smurf statue. She officially appointed more than 40 Smurfs ambassadors who then boarded a train to Paris, where the movie is set, where they spread smiles and heralded the movie's opening.

Events are taking place around the world, and in Los Angeles, families can join Smurfs at local appearances where they will play the Ubisoft video game, and sample Menchie's Smurfberry frozen yogurt, among other activities. Families are encouraged to enjoy nature by the U.S. Forest Service and Ad Council's Discover the Forest campaign, and can watch the first "The Smurfs" film at an outdoor evening screening.

Smurf Ambassadors will post photos from the day on Instagram with the hashtag #GlobalSmurfsDay. You can also follow their adventures at the official Global Smurfs Day site at www.GlobalSmurfsDay.net.

"The Smurfs™ 2," is a hybrid live action/animation family feature film starring Neil Patrick Harris, Hank Azaria, Jayma Mays and Katy Perry, pits the loveable blue creatures against the evil wizard Gargamel, who creates a couple of mischievous Smurf-like creatures called the Naughties, kidnaps Smurfette and brings her to Paris. Then it's up to Papa, Clumsy, Grouchy, and Vanity to return to our time, reunite with their human friends Patrick and Grace Winslow, and rescue her! Watch a preview of the movie with your kids here.